If you are struggling to resume sexual relations after a third degree tear, you need to explore the options available to you.
Resuming sexual relations after birth
In the weeks after giving birth, most women will find sexual intercourse uncomfortable. It is important not to have sexual relations until the vaginal area has healed and both partners feel ready to resume intercourse.
However, some women will continue to experience discomfort during sex. This is known medically as ‘dyspareunia’. Dyspareunia is much more common in patients who have suffered a severe tear – meaning either a third or fourth degree tear.
Sex after a third degree tear
A third degree tear is when the perineum and external anal sphincter are torn during the delivery of a baby. A fourth degree tear is exactly the same, only the injury extends to the internal anal sphincter and anal mucosa.
Third and fourth degree tears must be recognised and repaired after the delivery if serious complications are to be prevented. Even if a good standard of care is achieved, it is possible that a woman will continue to experience dyspareunia.
It is important to note that if complications arise due to a substandard level of medical care – for example, the injury was missed and therefore not repaired – there will be grounds for a medical negligence compensation claim.
Treating sexual discomfort
If a patient’s sexual discomfort does not alleviate with time, she may want to explore the medical treatment available. For instance, lubricants and ointments can be applied over the tender area on the perineum and vagina prior to intercourse. This works in about 30% of women.
Additionally, psycho-sexual counselling may be beneficial to those who are struggling to resume relations for psychological reasons. Perhaps one or both partners are worried about causing further damage, or there may be issues with body image and fear over faecal soiling.
If these steps are not successful, the next step may be steroid injections into the perineal scar. There are no significant risks with this procedure which is successful in the majority of women in whom treatment is prescribed.
Surgery to excise the scarred area and reconstruct the perineum is rarely necessary and will not be recommended as the scar tissue can reform.
Have you been harmed by medical negligence?
If you are experiencing problems as a result of a third or fourth degree tear and you believe medical negligence is to blame, please get in touch with us to discuss your options. You could be entitled to claim compensation.
Call us free now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile click to call 01275 334030) or complete our Free Online Enquiry and we will be happy to advise you of your legal rights and options (no charge).